View from the opposition: Norwich City (H)

Thanks to Rachel Neil from Norwich City blog Lets Be ‘Avin You. You can also find Rachel on Twitter (@letsbeavinyou).

Ryan - We last met in November when we drew 1-1 at Carrow Road, has much changed for Norwich since then?

Rachel - Things have gone really well for us since we met in November. Back then we were eighth in the table and, I think, had won just one game in seven. However, since the 1-1 draw with yourselves, we have lost just twice in the league, and find ourselves up in third. So to be honest, we couldn’t have asked for much more!

Ryan - We have both done considerably well since getting promoted, if Norwich were to get promoted how do you think they would cope in The Premiership?

Rachel - Both teams have done exceptionally well since gaining promotion from League One. If we were to get promoted to the Premier League, which I think may just be a step too far this season, there’s no doubt it would be a massive test for us. Our chances would of course be dependent on the sort of players we could bring in, however you only have to look at Blackpool, who have given a great account of themselves this season, to know that there’s always a chance. We certainly have a fantastic manager in Paul Lambert, and with him at the helm, I’m tending to believe that anything is possible at the moment! With an ever-increasing gap between the two divisions though, it would of course, be really tough, but you’ve got to believe, right?

Ryan - At the start of the season, did you expect Norwich to be pushing for promotion and did you expect Leeds to be up there with you?

Rachel - No, I never expected us to be challenging for promotion. I was more than happy to settle for consolidation: avoidance of a relegation battle, and a decent top ten finish, thank you very much! What we have achieved has been fantastic, and certainly exceeded most people’s expectations. We do not have the best squad on paper, but we have a group of players who give absolutely everything. Paul Lambert has been nothing short of fantastic for us since arriving at the club, and he has the players playing above and beyond their suggested capabilities. Our team spirit and mentality not-to-give-in have really set us apart in games this season.

I’ve been impressed with your season so far, although I always felt once you got yourselves out of League One, you had it in you to be competing at the top end of the Championship. Beckford’s departure didn’t appear to harm you at all, and you have some really talented players in your squad. Simon Grayson is a good manager too, and with a great fanbase, I don’t think it will be too long before you’re back in the Premiership. (I’m going to get some stick from fellow City fans for saying that, but it’s just my opinion!)

Ryan - Who should we be looking out for in your squad on Saturday?

Rachel - A couple of Leeds fans I know were hoping Wes Hoolahan might be on his way to West Yorkshire in the January transfer window! Fortunately, he didn’t go anywhere, and has, for the record, signed a new contract! He will certainly be one to watch out for though. Not to do disservice to other players, but much of our quality and ingenuity comes from him. On his day, he is one of the best creative midfielders in the division. Of course, Grant Holt is also a player to look out for. He is our talisman, and plays such a big part (literally some harsh critics would say!) in our side. Your defenders will definitely know they’ve been in a game, let’s just leave it at that!

Ryan - The Championship 2010/11 – 3 up, 3 down?

Rachel - Mmm…I’m rubbish at these predictions. Ok, if you’re going to push me on it, I’ll say QPR to clinch the title, with Cardiff scrapping into second..perhaps on a frantic last day? At best, I think we can hope for a play-off place…so who knows, maybe we’ll see you at Wembley come May?!

To leave the Championship, I would have to say Preston, Scunthorpe, and probably Crystal Palace.

Ryan - If you could sign one current Leeds player for Norwich, who would it be?

Rachel - I’ve always liked Robert Snodgrass as a player, and Max Gradel is a talent and had a good game for you at Carrow Road. However, I also really like Luciano Becchio, and he certainly knows where the goal is…so I’d probably go for him. I just hope he doesn’t score against us tomorrow now I’ve said that!

We we fortunate last year that Mickey Doyle marked hoolahan to a tee, holt is a threat, but I’ve herd that their keeper Ruddy is a talent, however I’m sure we won’t see a better keeper play at elland road this season than Kasper.

Tim Wilsom

This is a BIG weekend. Hopefully one that doesn’t start a stutter

Colin

Bloody hell, a decent participant in the ‘Away Fans View’ section for a change, who knows something about football.

Nice one Rachel, but get your hands off Becchio please. He’s not for sale. But can I interest you in Billy Paynter? He’s bigger (fatter) than Grant Holt, and scores ‘slightly’ less goals, but he’s very very good. Just make the cheque payable to leedsunited.com

Only one person to deal with Wes Hooligan. And that’s Bradley Johnson.

Job done.

Just as well we have a strong defence to deal with Grant Holt.

Errr, oh, hold on a minute. I forgot.

captaincrash

Once again the away fans pick of our players is Becchio. Would be good to see the end of season tally vs our own player of the season poll.

Just seen Leicester got a 92nd minute winner which is far from ideal.

Colin

captaincrash – Becchio’s been quiet recently. I think it’ll be 4-4-2 with Somma included tomorrow.

Hugh Fox

Agree he needs a goal Colin but still in the top 3 of player of the season contenders thus far for me. Next 3 games so key to how the season shapes out. 5 points plus will do!!

Colin

Oh absolutely Hugh Fox – got to keep playing Becchio. He is important, but Somma will help with goals for this game me thinks, and allow Becchio to get back in form. Plus if Becchio is a threat (and he is) then surely Norwich will man mark him, leaving space for Gradel & Snodders. I hope!!

captaincrash

Yep. Becchio is so key as many posts here on many threads have said before. I agree that tommorow may well be a goal fest hence we should go for it and not let Norwich get a headstart. Rush goalies and lets win 6-5!

Ron

Jesus, I’m bloody nervous about tomorrow. I’d love us to make automatic promotion, for I do not like the look of both Leicester and Hull making a charge into the top 6 which I think they can. Somebody call O’Brien and Bruce and give them death threats if Holt manages to score tomorrow. He’s a dangerous bastard. C’mon you mighty Whites!

Nasty Jim

Fancy us to edge it 2-1 tomorrow.
Agree with ron about the lad holt though,very dangerous.